In fantasy football IDP leagues, finding a difference-maker can vault managers into championships. While it’s a little harder to navigate the IDP world, here are some key players from the AFC South division worth targeting in fantasy football leagues.
AFC South Fantasy Football IDP Targets
Houston Texans
Will Anderson, DE
2023 stats: 15 games, 7 sacks, 45 total tackles, 10 TFL, 22 QBH, NFL Rookie DPOY.
Will Anderson was a man amongst boys at Alabama. Anderson averaged double digit sacks his last two years in college. While he did have a slow start to his rookie season, he eventually broke through in a big way.
As the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Anderson can only go up from here. It’s hard to see him slowing down; in fact, I believe this upcoming season he could take his game to the next level.
“The swarm mentality. The way we play. The style. The running to the ball — it’s nonstop. His mindset is unique. Shoot, I’ve been in the league 20 years now. It’s rare to find a guy that practices the way he plays with nonstop energy, nonstop effort. You’d be hard-pressed to find a lull. It’s full go, full bore 100 percent of the time.” says Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
With the acquisition of fellow defensive end, Danielle Hunter, Anderson could see a lot fewer double teams to excel as a pass rusher and reap the rewards.
Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin, LB
2023 stats: 16 games, 2 FF, 1.5 sacks, 179 total tackles, 3 TFL, 3 QBH.
Zaire Franklin is a complete linebacker. He finished second overall in tackles last year, and it’s hard to see how he can’t be in the top-5 every year. With the decline of Shaq Leonard and his eventual departure, the Colts needed someone to step up and Zaire did just that.
Perhaps this upcoming year, Franklin can break the NFL tackle record (214) set by Hardy Nickerson. That’s something I have full confidence that he is capable of doing. Especially knowing that he himself thinks he still has another gear he hasn’t reached.
“But to be honest, I really feel like there’s another step that I need to take. There’s another level that I can tap into. Like I said last year, my goal honestly wasn’t the franchise, it was the NFL record, to be honest with you. And I didn’t reach that. So, for me it’s just getting back to that drawing board, continuing to push myself to be the best player, teammate, friend, leader that I can possibly be and be better for the team next year,” said Franklin. This is the mentality that’ll keep him within the best linebackers in this league.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Foyesade Oluokun, LB
2023 stats: 17 games, 1 FF, 2.5 sacks, 173 total tackles, 8 TFL, 10 QBH.
Another complete linebacker? Yes, Foyesade Oluokun is just that.
While he’s getting older, that doesn’t seem to slow him down. Oluokun was fourth in total tackles in last year; and with Devin Lloyd not living up to his hype, Oluokun has to pick up the slack.
“There are better cover linebackers, but down in and down out, he’s been a really good player and cleans up a lot in the run game,” a NFL personnel head said about Oluokun. “Great with hands and shedding blocks.” A tackle machine I don’t see slowing down any time soon be sure to target him in your drafts.
Tennessee Titans
T’Vondre Sweat, DT
Rookie
This one is a tough, but T’Vondre Sweat has all the tools necessary to take this league by storm. With only five total sacks in his college career, it would be hard to assume that he can be a force in this league. However, with Harold Landry and Jeffery Simmons garnering all the attention, it’s possible Sweat can make some serious noise as a fantasy football IDP target.
Weighing 366 pounds, Sweat is a monster prospect and an ideal piece for a team that is looking to establish its defensive line. Sweat could be a key contributor to Tennessee’s defense immediately now that his legal troubles are hopefully behind him, and he keeps his weight down to fulfill his potential.
